Removably attachable garment components and garment comprising same

ABSTRACT

A combination includes a shirt and a component configured for removable attachment to the shirt. The component is selected from the group consisting of a collar and a cuff. The combination includes the component, which has an edge and at least one first fastener affixed along the edge, and the shirt, which has at least one second fastener affixed thereto and defines at least one shirt opening. The at least one first fastener is configured to releasably engage the at least one second fastener to removably attach the component to the shirt.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/975,031, filed Apr. 4, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth, and is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/24483, filed Apr. 6, 2015, each of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to removably attachable garment components. The invention more specifically relates to a removably attachable collar or cuffs and a garment configured for removable attachment of such components.

BACKGROUND

One of greatest factors in the useful life-span of clothing results from staining and wear of the clothing resulting from the clothing's contact with the skin of a wearer, which can result in, for example, the clothing becoming impregnated with oils from the wearer's skin and wearing of the fabric due to friction between it and the wearer's body. This is particularly true in certain areas in which the contact between the wearer and the clothing is highest, such as the collar and cuffs areas, which are often subject to excessive staining due to contact between the collar or cuff and the wearer's skin.

Conventional methods for combating such staining include laundering, such as soap and water washing and dry cleaning. These methods in themselves can result in accelerated wear of clothing, thus even further shortening the useful life-span of a garment.

A need exists for a way of effectively eliminating the above-described staining and wear, without inducing further wear on clothing.

SUMMARY

The invention relates to a combination of a shirt and a component configured for removable attachment to the shirt. The component is selected from the group consisting of a collar and a cuff. The combination includes the component, which has an edge and at least one first fastener affixed along the edge, and the shirt, which has at least one second fastener affixed thereto and defines at least one shirt opening. The at least one first fastener is configured to releasably engage the at least one second fastener to removably attach the component to the shirt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a shirt having a removably attachable collar according to a first embodiment of the invention, shown in a wearing configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the shirt of FIG. 1, with the collar in an upturned position to expose the stitched thread that attaches a plurality of fasteners to the shirt;

FIG. 3 is a partial front interior view of the shirt of FIG. 1 in an opened position;

FIG. 4 is a partial rear view of a shirt having a removably attachable collar according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, with an upper edge of the garment turned down to expose and disengage the fasteners;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a collar according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown unattached to a shirt;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a shirt according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown unattached to a collar;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a collar according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown unattached to a shirt;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged detail of the collar and shirt of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown detached from each other;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail of the collar and shirt of the embodiment of FIG. 1, shown partially attached to each other;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a shirt having a removably attachable collar according to another embodiment of the invention, shown in a wearing configuration;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the shirt of FIG. 11, with the collar in an upturned position to expose a plurality of fasteners affixing the collar to the shirt;

FIG. 13 is a partial front interior view of the shirt of FIG. 11 in an opened position, showing an interior view of the plurality of fasteners;

FIG. 14 is a partial rear view of a shirt having a removably attachable collar according to the embodiment of FIG. 11, with partially opened cover strips to conceal the plurality of fasteners;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front view of a collar according to the embodiment of FIG. 11, shown unattached to a shirt;

FIG. 17 is a front view of a shirt according to the embodiment of FIG. 11, shown unattached to a collar;

FIG. 18 is a front view of a shirt having removable cuffs, according to another embodiment of the invention, shown in a wearing configuration;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the cuff of the shirt of FIG. 18, shown detached from the shirt and in a flattened configuration;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the cuff of the shirt of FIG. 18, shown detached from the shirt and in a flattened configuration;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged detail of a shirt sleeve and cuff according to another embodiment of the invention, with the flap in a retracted position;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the cuff of FIG. 22, shown detached from the shirt and in a flattened configuration.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged detail of a shirt sleeve and cuff according to another embodiment of the invention, with the cuff partially detached and the cover strip partially retracted.

FIG. 25 is a front view of a shirt having a removably attachable collar according to another embodiment of the invention, shown without the collar.

FIG. 26 is a front view of the shirt of FIG. 25, shown during attachment of the collar to the shirt.

FIG. 26A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 26.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the collar of FIG. 26, shown flattened and unattached to the shirt.

FIG. 28 is a front view of the shirt of FIG. 26, shown with the collar attached thereto.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged detail of a shirt sleeve and cuff according to another embodiment of the invention, shown with the cuff detached from the sleeve, and with the sleeve in an unfastened configuration.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the cuff of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 shows the shirt sleeve of FIG. 29, with the cuff affixed thereto.

FIG. 32 shows the shirt sleeve of FIG. 29, in a fastened configuration and with the cuff affixed thereto.

FIG. 33 shows front view a conventional shirt dress shirt having conventional cuffs and collar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the foregoing description for convenience and is not intended to be limiting. Words such as “front,” “back,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. This terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted. The phrase “at least one of” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “A, B or C,” means any individual one of A, B or C, as well as any combination thereof.

A first embodiment of a garment and detachable component according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 10. The detachable component according to this embodiment is a collar 50. As shown, the garment 10 includes a body portion 12 configured to cover the torso of a wearer. A neck opening 14 configured for passage of the wearer's neck is defined at an upper area of the body portion 12. First and second sleeves 16 for covering the arms of the wearer extend from the sides of the body portion 12. The garment 12 has an interior 26, located to face inward and come in contact with the body of a wearer, and an exterior 28, located to face outward and away from the body of the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment 10 is a shirt, and in particular a dress shirt having a front opening 20 closable by at least one front fastener 22, the at least one front fastener 22 being a plurality of buttons 22 in the illustrated embodiment. A collar 50 according to the invention surrounds the neck opening 14.

While a dress shirt 10 is shown in the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that other suitable garments 10 having body portions 12 and neck openings 14 could be employed with the invention as well, such as other types of shirts, dresses and items of outerwear, such as coats and jackets.

As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the collar 50 is removably attached to the garment 10 about the neck opening 14 thereof by at least one fastener. Referring to FIG. 33, a conventional collared garment 410 includes a collar attachment seam 440 located at the base of the collar 450 and upper edge 418 of the neck opening 414, along which the collar 450 is attached to the garment 410. In the garment 10 and collar 50 according to the invention, the collar 50 is removably affixed to the garment 10 at a location corresponding to the collar attachment seam 440 as described in detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 8 in particular, a collar 50 includes a lower band 52 and an upper leaf 60. The lower band 52 is formed as an elongate strip extending along the length of the collar 50, parallel to the neck opening 14. A lower edge 54 of the lower band 52 joins with an upper edge 18 of the garment body 12 defining the neck opening 14 at a location corresponding to the collar attachment seam 440 of a conventional garment. In the garment 10 and collar 50 according to the invention, upper edge 18 of garment body 12 and lower edge 54 of lower band 52 are provided with adjoining fasteners, instead of a conventional garment attachment seam, as described in detail below. In wear, the lower band 52 extends upward, surrounding the neck of a wearer of the garment. The lower band 52 is dimensioned to comfortably but snugly surround the neck of a wearer, and may be, for example, between 12 and 20 inches in length L1, but the length will vary depending on the size of the garment. An appropriate dimension could be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The lower band 52 is dimensioned to extend partway up the neck of a wearer, and may be, for example, between 1 and 3 inches in depth D1, but the depth will vary depending on the size of the garment. An appropriate dimension could be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Still referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 8 in particular, the collar 50 further includes an upper leaf 60. The upper leaf 60 is an elongate strip that extends along the length of the collar 50, parallel to the neck opening 14. A lower edge 62 of the upper leaf 60 joins with an upper edge 56 of the lower band 52, forming a fold line 70 therebetween. As shown, for example in FIG. 1, the upper leaf 60 is folded outward and downward with respect to the lower band 52 when the shirt is in a wearing configuration, such that the upper leaf 60 substantially covers the lower band 52. The upper leaf 60 is of a length substantially equal to that of the lower band 52, and of a depth substantially equal to that of the lower band 52, so as to permit the upper leaf 60 to cover the lower band 52 when the garment 10 is in the wearing configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. The upper leaf 60 includes an upper edge 64 that runs substantially parallel to the neck opening 14 and defines a terminal edge of the collar 50. First and second corners 66, 68 are formed at opposite sides of the upper edge 64 and are pointed in downward and slightly outward directions when the garment 10 is in the wearing configuration, as shown in FIG. 1.

The collar 50 according to the invention is removably affixed to the garment body 12 by at least one fastener. As shown in detail in FIGS. 3-8, at least one collar fastener 72 is affixed along the lower edge 54 of lower band 52. At least one shirt fastener 74 is affixed along the upper edge 18 of garment neck opening 14. The at least one collar fastener 72 is configured to engage and form a removable attachment with the at least one shirt fastener 74. The at least one collar fastener 72 and the at least one shirt fastener 74 may be complimentary snap fastener discs. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one collar fastener 72 is a plurality of snap studs 72 and the at least one shirt fastener 74 is a plurality of snap sockets 74 that mate with the plurality of snap studs 72 for removable engagement. Alternatively, the at least one collar fastener 72 could be a plurality of snap sockets and the at least one shirt fastener 74 could be a plurality of snap studs that mate with the plurality of snap sockets. The at least one collar fastener 72 and the at least one shirt fastener 74 may be affixed directly to the collar 50 and garment body 12, for example by stitching, adhesives or melt bonding. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one collar fastener 72 and the at least one shirt fastener 74 are each affixed by stitched thread 78. Alternatively, each of the at least one fasteners 72, 74 could be formed along an associated length of fastener tape. In such an embodiment, a first length of fastener tape is affixed along the lower edge 54 of lower band 52 and a second length of fastener tape is affixed along the upper edge 18 of neck opening 14 by conventional means known in the art such as stitched thread, adhesives or melt adhesion.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment, at least one first fastener 72, being snap studs in the embodiment shown, are affixed to an outer surface of the collar 50, facing the garment exterior 26, while the at least one second fastener 74, being snap sockets in the embodiment shown, are affixed to an inner surface of the garment body 12, facing the garment interior 28. To join the first and second at least one fasteners 72, 74, the garment collar 50 is placed adjacent to the garment body 12 with upper edge 18 of the neck opening 14 overlapping the lower edge 54 of the collar lower band 52. In this configuration, an outer surface of the collar 50 onto which the snap studs 72 are affixed, faces an inner surface of the neck opening 14 to which the snap sockets 74 are affixed. The snap studs 72 are aligned with the corresponding snap sockets 74, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and engaged to affix the collar 50 to the garment body 12. In another embodiment, the interior/exterior placement of the snap studs 72 and snap sockets 74 could be reversed, such that the snap studs 72 are affixed to an inner surface of the collar 50 and the snap sockets 74 are affixed to an outer surface of the garment body 12. Either configuration results in the snap studs 72 and sockets 74 and their associated fastener tapes 78, 80, where provided, sandwiched between the collar 50 and garment body 12, and in turn concealed from view and located out of contact with the wearer's skin.

In another embodiment, multiple rows of first and second fasteners 72, 74 could be provided. For example, a second row of first fasteners 72 and a second row of complimentary second fasteners 74 could be provided, parallel to those described and shown in the figures, to provide a more secure connection between the collar 50 and garment body 12. Additional rows of fasteners 72, 74 can be provided in the same manner.

Another embodiment of a shirt and collar according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 11-17. The embodiment of FIGS. 11-17 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-10. Only the differences with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 will be described in detail, and analogous structures shall be designated using the same reference numbers, increased by 100.

The collar 150 according to this embodiment of the invention is removably affixed to the garment body 112 by at least one fastener. As shown in detail in FIGS. 13-16, at least one collar fastener 172 is affixed along the lower edge 154 of lower band 152. At least one shirt fastener 174 is affixed along the upper edge 118 of garment neck opening 114. The at least one collar fastener 172 is configured to engage and form a removable attachment with the at least one shirt fastener 174. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one collar fastener 172 is a first plurality of zipper teeth and the at least one shirt fastener 174 is a second plurality of zipper teeth that mate with the first plurality of zipper teeth for removable engagement therewith. The first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 172, 174 are each formed along an associated length of zipper tape 178, 180. The first length of zipper tape 178 is affixed along the lower edge 154 of lower band 152 and the second length of zipper tape 180 is affixed along the upper edge 118 of neck opening 114 by conventional means known in the art such as stitched thread, adhesives or melt adhesion. A pull tab 176 simultaneously engages the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 172, 174 to engage and disengage the teeth thereof in a manner known in the art, facilitating attachment and detachment of the garment body 112 and collar 150 according to the invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second lengths of zipper tape 178, 180 are affixed on a fabric surfaces forming part of the garment exterior 126, and in turn the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 172 a, 174 are located on the garment exterior 126. This configuration results in the zipper teeth 172, 174 being out of contact with the skin of the wearer, so as to avoid any potentially resulting irritation.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the collar 150 and/or garment 112 may include a cover strip 130, 182 to conceal the zipper teeth 172, 174. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment 112 and collar 150 are each provided with a cover strip 130, 182. The collar cover strip 182 is a fabric strip affixed to an outer surface of the collar 112 just above the first zipper tape 178 and extending downward to cover the first plurality of zipper teeth 172. Similarly, the garment cover strip 130 is a fabric strip affixed to an outer surface of the garment body 112 just below the second zipper tape and extending upward to cover the second plurality of zipper teeth 174. The cover strips 130, 182 are located and dimensioned to meet or nearly meet at their outer edges, such that together they fully cover and conceal the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 172, 174. The cover strips 130 may be folded back, as shown in FIG. 15, to expose the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 172, 174 to engage and disengage the zipper teeth 172, 174, resulting in attachment and detachment of the collar 150 from the garment body 112. In another embodiment, just the collar 150 could be provided with a cover strip 182 that is sufficiently thick so as to cover both the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth172, 174, or just the garment body 112 could be provided with a cover strip 130 that is sufficiently thick so as to cover both the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth. In another embodiment, the cover strips 130, 182 could be omitted and the zipper teeth 172, 174 exposed or located to be concealed by other means, such as beneath the portion of a necktie that wraps a user's neck in wear. In another embodiment, the zipper tapes 178, 180 and zipper teeth 172, 174 could be located on the garment interior 128.

In another embodiment of the invention, multiple rows of first and second zipper teeth 172, 174 could be provided. For example, a second row of first zipper teeth 172 and a second row of second zipper teeth 174 could be provided running parallel to those described above and shown in the figures, to provide a more secure connection between the collar 150 and garment body 112. Additional rows of zipper teeth 172, 174 can be provided in parallel in the same manner.

Another embodiment of a shirt and detachable component according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 18-21. The embodiment of FIGS. 18-21 is similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-10. Only the differences with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 will be described in detail, and analogous structures shall be designated using the same reference numbers, increased by 200.

The detachable component according to this embodiment of the invention is at least one cuff 290. In the illustrated embodiment, the shirt 210 includes two cuffs 290, each being affixed at the end 232 of a respective sleeve 216. An opening 236 is defined at the end 232 of the sleeve. The cuff 290 is affixed to the sleeve by at least one fastener.

As shown in detail in FIG. 19, the sleeve 216 includes at least one sleeve fastener 234 affixed to an outer surface thereof, proximate to the opening 236. The cuff 290 includes at least one cuff fastener 292 that engages the at least one sleeve fastener 234 to removably attach the cuff 290 to the sleeve. As shown in FIG. 33, a conventional dress shirt 410 includes a cuff attachment seam 488 at which the cuff 490 attaches to the sleeve 416, the cuff attachment seam 488 joining the end of sleeve 416 to the inner edge 491 of cuff 490. In the garment 210 and cuff 290 according to the invention, the cuff 290 is affixed to the sleeve 216 at a location corresponding to the cuff attachment seam 488 of a conventional garment 410, as described in detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the cuff 290 is formed as strip of fabric having a length approximately equal to the diameter of the sleeve opening 236. The cuff 290 includes an inner surface 294 that faces inward, or towards the arm of the wearer when in wear and affixed to the sleeve 216, and an outer surface 296 that faces outward, or towards the exterior of the garment when in wear and affixed to the sleeve 216. The cuff includes first and second side edges 295, 297 which may be joined when the cuff 290 is affixed to the sleeve 216, so that the cuff 290 forms a closed loop, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. The cuff 290 may include fasteners, such as buttons 246 affixed along one of the first or second edges 295, 297, which engage button holes 248 formed along the other of the first or second edges 295, 297. The cuff 290 further includes an inner edge 291 located towards the sleeve 216 when the cuff 290 is affixed thereto, and an outer edge 293, located away from the sleeve 216 when the cuff 290 is affixed thereto. The cuff 290 may include a fold line 298 extending along the length of the cuff 290, parallel to the inner and outer edges 291, 293. The cuff 290 may be folded at the fold line 298, so that a distal section 286 thereof overlaps a proximal section, and is reversed such that the inner surface 294 faces outward, towards the exterior of the garment, and the outer surface 296 faces inward, towards the outer surface 296 of the proximal section. In another embodiment, the fold line 298 could be omitted and the cuff 290 configured to wrap around the wrist of the wearer in a single layer.

The at least one cuff fastener 292 and the at least one sleeve fastener 234 may be complimentary snap fastener discs. The at least one cuff fastener 292 in the illustrated embodiment is a plurality of snap studs 292 and the at least one sleeve fastener 234 is a plurality of snap sockets that mate with the snap studs 292 for removable engagement. In another embodiment, the at least one cuff fastener 292 could be a plurality of snap sockets and the at least one sleeve fastener 234 a plurality of snap studs that mate with the snap sockets for removable engagement therewith.

The at least one sleeve fastener 234 and the at least one cuff fastener 292 may be affixed directly to the cuff 290 and sleeve 216, for example by stitching, adhesives or melt bonding. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one cuff fastener 292 and the at least one sleeve fastener 234 are each affixed by stitched thread 278. Alternatively, each of the at least one fasteners 234, 292 could be formed along an associated length of fastener tape. In such an embodiment, a first length of fastener tape is affixed along sleeve end 232 on the outer surface thereof, and a second length of fastener tape is affixed along the inner edge 291 of the cuff 290 on the inner surface 294 thereof by conventional means known in the art such as stitched thread, adhesives or melt adhesion.

As shown, the at least one sleeve fastener 234, being snap sockets in the embodiment of FIGS. 18-21, is affixed to an exterior surface 226 of the sleeve 216, proximate and parallel to the end 232 thereof defining the opening 236. The at least one cuff fastener 292, being snap studs in the embodiment of FIGS. 18-21, is affixed to inner surface 294 of the cuff 290.

The cuff 290 is affixed to the sleeve by bringing the inner edge 291 of the cuff 290 in proximity with the end 232 of sleeve 216, as shown by the arrow of FIG. 19. The cuff 290 is then wrapped around the end 232 of sleeve, such that the cuff fasteners 292 face and are aligned with the sleeve fasteners 234. Pressure is then applied to engage the fasteners, by engaging the snap studs 292 of the cuff with the snap sockets 234 with the sleeve in the embodiments shown, to removably affix the cuff 290 to the sleeve 216.

In another embodiment, the interior/exterior placement of the at least one cuff fastener 292 and at least one sleeve fastener 234 could be reversed, such that the at least one sleeve fastener 234 is affixed to an interior surface 228 of the sleeve 216 and the at least one cuff fastener 292 is affixed to an exterior surface 296 of the cuff 290. Either configuration results in the snap studs and sockets and their associated fastener tapes, where provided, sandwiched between the cuff 290 and sleeve 216, and in turn concealed from view and located out of contact with the wearer's skin.

In another embodiment, multiple rows of sleeve and cuff fasteners 234, 292 could be provided. For example, a second row of sleeve fasteners 234 and a second row of cuff fasteners 292 complimentary to the sleeve fasteners 234, could be provided, both being parallel to those described and shown in the figures, to provide a more secure connection between the cuff 290 and the sleeve 216. Additional rows of fasteners 234, 292 can be provided in the same manner.

Another embodiment of a shirt and collar according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 22-24. The embodiment of FIGS. 22-24 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 18-21. Only the differences with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 18-21 will be described in detail, and analogous structures shall be designated using the same reference numbers, increased by 100.

The cuff 392 according to this embodiment of the invention is removably affixed to the sleeve 316 by at least one fastener. As shown, at least one cuff fastener 392 is affixed along the inner edge 391. At least one sleeve fastener 334 is affixed along the sleeve end 332. The at least one cuff fastener 392 is configured to engage and form a removable attachment with the at least one sleeve fastener 334. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one cuff fastener 392 is a first plurality of zipper teeth and the at least one sleeve fastener 334 is a second plurality of zipper teeth that mate with the first plurality of zipper teeth for removable engagement therewith. The first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 392, 334 are each formed along an associated length of zipper tape 378, 380. The first length of zipper tape 378 is affixed along the inner edge 391 of cuff 390 and the second length of zipper tape 380 is affixed along the end 332 of sleeve 316 by conventional means known in the art such as stitched thread, adhesives or melt adhesion. A pull tab 376 simultaneously engages the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 392, 334 to engage and disengage the teeth thereof in a manner known in the art, facilitating attachment and detachment of the garment body cuff 390 and sleeve 316 according to the invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first length of zipper tape 378 is affixed to the outer surface of the cuff 390 and the second length of zipper tape 380 is affixed to the outer surface of the sleeve 316, and in turn the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 392, 374 are located on the garment exterior 326. This configuration results in the zipper teeth 392, 374 being out of contact with the skin of the wearer, so as to avoid any potentially resulting irritation.

Referring to FIG. 24, the cuff 390 and/or sleeve 316 may include a cover strip 338 to conceal the zipper teeth 392, 374. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 316 includes the cover strip 338, which is affixed to an exterior surface 326 of the sleeve 316, parallel to the sleeve end 332. The cover strip 338 that extends over the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 392, 374 when engaged, to cover and hide from view the zipper teeth 392, 374. Alternatively, the cover strip 338 could be affixed to the cuff 390 and oriented parallel to the inner edge thereof 391, located to extend over the zipper teeth 392, 374 when engaged. In another embodiment, the sleeve 316 and cuff 390 could each include a cover strip, each being located and dimensioned to meet or nearly meet at the outer edges thereof, such that together they fully cover and conceal the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 392, 374. The cover strip 338 may be folded back, as shown in FIG. 24, to expose the first and second pluralities of zipper teeth 392, 374 to engage and disengage the zipper teeth 392, 374, resulting in attachment and detachment of the cuff 390 from the sleeve 316. In another embodiment, the cover strip 338 could be omitted and the zipper teeth 392, 374 exposed or located to be concealed by other means.

In another embodiment of the invention, multiple rows of first and second zipper teeth 392, 374 could be provided. For example, a second row of first zipper teeth 392 and a second row of second zipper teeth 374 could be provided running parallel to those described above and shown in the figures, to provide a more secure connection between the collar cuff 390 and the sleeve 316. Additional rows of zipper teeth 392, 374 can be provided in parallel in the same manner.

Another embodiment of a garment and detachable component according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 25-28. The embodiment of FIGS. 25-28 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-10. Only the differences with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 will be described in detail, and analogous structures shall be designated using the same reference numbers, increased by 500.

The detachable component according to this embodiment is a collar 550. As shown, the garment 510 includes a body portion 512 configured to cover the torso of a wearer. A neck opening 514 configured for passage of the wearer's neck is defined at an upper area of the body portion 512. The garment 512 has an interior 526, located to face inward and come in contact with the body of a wearer, and an exterior 528, located to face outward and away from the body of the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment 510 is a shirt, and in particular a dress shirt having a front opening 520 closable by at least one front fastener 522, the at least one front fastener 522 being a plurality of buttons 522 in the illustrated embodiment. A collar 550 according to the invention surrounds the neck opening 514.

While a dress shirt 510 is shown in the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that other suitable garments 510 having body portions 512 and neck openings 514 could be employed with the invention as well, such as other types of shirts, dresses and items of outerwear, such as coats and jackets.

As shown, the collar 550 is removably attached to the garment 510 about the neck opening 514 thereof by at least one fastener. Referring to FIG. 33, a conventional collared garment 410 includes a collar attachment seam 440 located at the base of the collar 450 and upper edge 418 of the neck opening 414, along which the collar 450 is attached to the garment 410. In the garment 510 and collar 50 according to FIGS. 25-28, the collar 550 is removably affixed to the garment 510 at a location corresponding to the collar attachment seam 440 as described in detail below.

The collar 550 includes a lower band 552 and an upper leaf 560. The lower band 552 is formed as an elongate strip extending along the length of the collar 550, parallel to the neck opening 514. The lower band 52 joins with an upper edge 518 of the garment body 512 defining the neck opening 514 at a location corresponding to the collar attachment seam 440 of a conventional garment. In the garment 510 and collar 550 of FIGS. 25-28, garment body 512 and lower band 552 are provided with adjoining fasteners, as described in detail below. In wear, the lower band 552 extends upward, surrounding a terminal portion of garment body 512 extending around neck opening 518 and the neck of a wearer of the garment. The lower band 552 is dimensioned to comfortably but snugly surround the neck of a wearer, and may be, for example, between 12 and 20 inches in length, but the length will vary depending on the size of the garment. An appropriate dimension could be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The lower band 552 is dimensioned to extend partway up the neck of a wearer, and may be, for example, between 1 and 3 inches in depth, but the depth will vary depending on the size of the garment. An appropriate dimension could be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The collar 550 further includes an upper leaf 60. The upper leaf 560 is an elongate strip that extends along the length of the collar 550, parallel to the neck opening 514. A lower edge 562 of the upper leaf 560 joins with an upper edge 556 of the lower band 552, forming a fold line 570 therebetween. The upper leaf 560 is folded outward and downward with respect to the lower band 552 when the shirt is in a wearing configuration, such that the upper leaf 560 substantially covers the lower band 552. The upper leaf 560 is of a length substantially equal to that of the lower band 552, and of a depth substantially equal to that of the lower band 552, so as to permit the upper leaf 560 to cover the lower band 552 when the garment 510 is in the wearing configuration. The upper leaf 560 includes an upper edge 564 that runs substantially parallel to the neck opening 514 and defines a terminal edge of the collar 550. First and second corners 566, 568 are formed at opposite sides of the upper edge 564 and are pointed in downward and slightly outward directions when the garment 510 is in the wearing configuration.

The collar 550 according to the invention is removably affixed to the garment body 512 by at least one fastener. At least one collar fastener 572 is affixed along the lower band 552. At least one shirt fastener 574 is affixed to the garment body 512 about the neck opening 514. The at least one collar fastener 572 is configured to engage and form a removable attachment with the at least one shirt fastener 574. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one collar fastener 572 is a plurality of buttons and the at least one shirt fastener 574 is a plurality of openings configured to receive the buttons for removable engagement. Alternatively, the at least one collar fastener 572 could be a plurality of openings, and the at least one shirt fastener 574 could be a plurality of buttons configured to be received by the openings.

The buttons may be affixed directly to the collar 550, or alternatively to the garment body 512, for example by stitched thread 576. Other means of attachment known in the art could be employed as well, such as adhesives or melt bonding.

In the illustrated embodiment, two buttons 572 and two associated button openings 574 are shown, each being located near a respective end of the collar 550. In other embodiments, more buttons 572 and associated openings 574 could be provided, for example, being spaced about the length of the collar 550.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the at least one collar fastener 572, buttons in the illustrated embodiment, are affixed to an outer surface of the collar 550, facing the garment exterior 526, while the at least one second fastener 574, button openings in the embodiment shown, are affixed to an inner surface of the garment body 512, facing the garment interior 528. In particular, as shown in FIG. 28, the garment body 512 includes a double layer portion 542 about the upper edge 518, adjacent the neck opening 414. Double layer portion 542 is formed as a strip including an inner fabric layer 544 facing the garment interior 526 and an outer fabric layer 545 facing the exterior 528. Inner layer 544 and outer layer 545 may be affixed along their respective edges by means known in the art, such as stitched thread, leaving a space between the inner and outer layer 544, 545.

To join the first and second at least one fasteners 572, 574, the garment collar 550 is placed adjacent to the garment body 512 with upper edge 518 of the neck opening 514 aligned with fold line 570 and a portion of the garment body 512 surrounding neck opening 518 overlapping the collar lower band 552. In this configuration, an outer surface of the collar 550, faces an inner surface of the garment body 512 about the neck opening 514. The buttons 572 are aligned with the corresponding button openings 474, as shown in FIG. 26, and engaged to affix the collar 550 to the garment body 512. When this occurs, the buttons 572 pass through openings 574 into the space between inner and outer fabric layers 444, 445, where they reside while the collar 550 is affixed to the garment 510. This configuration keeps the button 572 during wear.

In another embodiment, the interior/exterior placement of the buttons 572 and openings 574 could be reversed, such that the buttons 572 are affixed to an inner surface of the collar 550 and the openings 574 are formed on an outer surface of the garment body 512. Either configuration results in the buttons 572 and openings 574 sandwiched between the collar 550 and garment body 512, and in turn concealed from view and located out of contact with the wearer's skin.

In another embodiment, multiple rows of first and second fasteners 572, 574 could be provided. For example, a second row of first fasteners 572 and a second row of complimentary second fasteners 574 could be provided, parallel to those described and shown in the figures, to provide a more secure connection between the collar 550 and garment body 512. Additional rows of fasteners 572, 574 can be provided in the same manner.

Another embodiment of a shirt and detachable component according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 29-32. The embodiment of FIGS. 29-32 is similar to those shown in FIGS. 18-21. Only the differences with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 18-21 will be described in detail, and analogous structures shall be designated using the same reference numbers, increased by 400.

The detachable component according to this embodiment of the invention is at least one cuff 690. In the illustrated embodiment, the shirt 610 includes two cuffs 690, each being affixed at the end 632 of a respective sleeve 616. An opening 636 is defined at the end 632 of the sleeve. The cuff 690 is affixed to the sleeve by at least one fastener.

As shown in detail in FIG. 29, the sleeve 616 includes at least one sleeve fastener 634 affixed to an outer surface thereof, proximate to the opening 636. The cuff 690 includes at least one cuff fastener 692 that engages the at least one sleeve fastener 634 to removably attach the cuff 690 to the sleeve. As shown in FIG. 33, a conventional dress shirt 410 includes a cuff attachment seam 488 at which the cuff 490 attaches to the sleeve 416, the cuff attachment seam 488 joining the end of sleeve 416 to the inner edge 491 of cuff 490. In the garment 610 and cuff 690 according to the invention, the cuff 690 is affixed to the sleeve 616 at a location corresponding to the cuff attachment seam 488 of a conventional garment 410, as described in detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, the cuff 690 is formed as strip of fabric having a length approximately equal to the diameter of the sleeve opening 636. The cuff 690 includes an inner surface 694 that faces inward, or towards the arm of the wearer when in wear and affixed to the sleeve 616, and an outer surface 696 that faces outward, or towards the exterior of the garment when in wear and affixed to the sleeve 616. The cuff includes first and second side edges 695, 697 which may be joined when the cuff 690 is affixed to the sleeve 616, so that the cuff 690 forms a closed loop, as shown in FIG. 32. The cuff 690 may include fasteners, such as buttons 646 affixed along one of the first or second edges 695, 697, which engage button holes formed along the other of the first or second edges 695, 697. The cuff 690 further includes an inner edge 691 located towards the sleeve 616 when the cuff 690 is affixed thereto, and an outer edge 693, located away from the sleeve 616 when the cuff 690 is affixed thereto. The cuff 690 may optionally include a fold line, similar to the fold line 298 shown in FIGS. 18-21, extending along the length of the cuff 690, parallel to the inner and outer edges 691, 693.

The at least one cuff fastener 692 and the at least one sleeve fastener 634 may be complimentary buttons and button holes. The at least one cuff fastener 692 in the illustrated embodiment is a plurality of button holes 692 and the at least one sleeve fastener 634 is a plurality of buttons that mate with the button holes 692 for removable engagement. In another embodiment, the at least one cuff fastener 692 could be a plurality of button holes and the at least one sleeve fastener 634 a plurality of button openings that receive with the buttons for removable engagement therewith.

The at least one cuff fastener 692, in this case buttons, may be affixed directly to the cuff 690, for example by stitching. In other embodiments, other means of attachment, such as adhesives or melt bonding could be employed.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the cuff 690 includes a double layer portion 942 adjacent to the inner edge 690 thereof. Double layer portion 642 is formed as a strip including an inner fabric layer 645 facing the garment interior 626 and an outer fabric layer 644 facing the exterior 628. Inner layer 645 and outer layer 644 may be affixed along their respective edges by means known in the art, such as stitched thread, leaving a space between the inner and outer layer 645, 644. The cuff fasteners 692, in this case buttons, are formed on an inner surface of the outer layer 644. In this manner, buttons 692 are housed between the inner and outer layers 645, 644 and face the garment interior 626 during wear.

In order to affix the cuff 690 with the sleeve 606, the cuff 690 is placed in alignment with the sleeve, as shown in FIG. 29. Inner and outer layers 645, 644 of double layer portion 645 are separated, and the end 632 of the sleeve 616, which is expanded to take on an elongate strip configuration, as shown in FIG. 29, is inserted into the space between layers 645, 644. Buttons 692 are then passed through button holes 634. In wear, buttons 634 are housed between layers 645, 644 facing the garment interior 626, and as such, are out of contact with the wearer's skin and out of view.

In another embodiment, multiple rows of sleeve and cuff fasteners 634, 692 could be provided. For example, a second row of sleeve fasteners 634 and a second row of cuff fasteners 692 complimentary to the sleeve fasteners 634, could be provided, both being parallel to those described and shown in the figures, to provide a more secure connection between the cuff 690 and the sleeve 616. Additional rows of fasteners 634, 692 can be provided in the same manner.

Any of the fasteners 72, 74, 172, 174, 274, 292, 374, 392 described herein could take on other forms known in the art, such forms including fasteners of the type that can be engaged and disengaged by a user to attach and detach the collar 50, 150 from the garment 10, 110, or the cuff 290, 390 to or from the sleeve 216, 316, such as buttons, hook and eye fasteners, including conventional hook and eye, riveted and tricot hook and eye fasteners, hook and loop fasteners such as those sold under the trade name VELCRO®, and removable adhesives.

In one embodiment of the invention a shirt is provided as described above, in combination with at least one removably attachable collar or cuff as described above, such that the collar or cuff and shirt can be attached and detached. Where multiple collars or cuffs are provided with a single shirt, any collar or cuff may be removed and discarded after a threshold level of wear has been exceeded, and replaced with another collar or cuff. Alternatively, a plurality of collars or cuffs having different designs, for example different colors, patterns and cuts can be provided, to provide a user with alternative design choices for a given shirt. In another embodiment, a single shirt and at least one collar or cuff may be provided as a unit, and replacement collars or cuffs having the configuration described above may be sold individually or simply without an associated shirt. In another embodiment, collars or cuffs having the configuration described above may be provided, along with the described collar or cuff fasteners, which the user may attach to a conventional shirt, after removing the conventional collar or cuff therefrom. Collars, cuffs and shirts in combination and alone may be provided in other manners and combinations according to the invention, such manners and combinations which could be conceived of by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The garments collars and cuffs according to the invention are formed of textile fabrics of types known in the art, such as a woven fabric, knitted fabric, or a nonwoven fabric, and of fibers known in the art, including natural fibers, such as cotton, or conventional synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester and rayon. Selecting an appropriate fabric construction and fiber type would be within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described, which should be considered as merely exemplary. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination of a shirt and a component configured for removable attachment to the shirt, the component being selected from the group consisting of a collar and a cuff, the combination comprising: the component, having an edge and at least one first fastener affixed along the edge; and the shirt, having at least one second fastener affixed thereto and defining at least one shirt opening; wherein the at least one first fastener is configured to releasably engage the at least one second fastener to removably attach the component to the shirt.
 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the shirt is a dress shirt having a body, a neck opening defined at a top portion of the body, at least one sleeve defining a sleeve opening, a front opening, and at least one shirt fastener for releasably closing the front opening.
 3. The combination of claim 2, wherein: the at least one shirt opening is the neck opening; and the component is a collar having a lower edge and an upper edge, and the at least one first fastener is affixed adjacent to the lower edge.
 4. The combination of claim 3, wherein the at least one first fastener and the at least one second fastener are each a plurality of complimentary snap fastener discs, wherein one of the at least one first fastener or the at least one second fastener is a plurality of snap sockets, and the other of the at least one first fastener and the at least one second fastener is a plurality of snap studs configured to mate with the plurality of snap sockets for releasable engagement therewith.
 5. The combination of claim 3, wherein one of the at least one first fastener or the at least one second fastener is a plurality of buttons, and the other of the at least one first fastener and the at least one second fastener is a plurality of button hole, each of the button holes being configured to receive an associated one of the buttons.
 6. The combination of claim 5, wherein the at least one first fastener is a plurality of buttons and the at least one second fastener is a plurality of button holes.
 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein the buttons are formed on an exterior surface of the collar, and the button holes are formed on an interior surface of the shirt.
 8. The combination of claim 7, wherein the shirt comprises a double layer portion extending about the neck opening, the double layer portion including an inner fabric layer facing the garment interior, and an outer fabric layer facing the garment exterior, and wherein the button holes are defined within the inner fabric layer.
 9. The combination of claim 3, wherein the at least one first fastener is a first plurality of zipper teeth, and the at least one second fastener is a second plurality of zipper teeth configured to engage the first plurality of zipper teeth.
 10. The combination of claim 9, further comprising at least one cover strip configured to conceal the at least one first fastener and the at least one second fastener when the collar is attached to the shirt.
 11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the at least one cover strip is a strip of fabric that overlaps the at least one first fastener and the at least one second fastener when the collar is attached to the shirt.
 12. The combination of claim 10, wherein the at least one cover strip comprises a collar cover strip affixed to the collar and extending over the first length of zipper tape, and a shirt cover strip affixed to the shirt and extending over the second length of zipper tape, wherein an outer edge of the collar cover strip meets an outer edge of the shirt cover strip.
 13. The combination of claim 2, wherein: the at least one shirt opening is the sleeve opening; and the component is a cuff having an inner edge, and the at least one first fastener is affixed adjacent to the inner edge.
 14. The combination of claim 13, wherein one of the at least one first fastener or the at least one second fastener is a plurality of buttons, and the other of the at least one first fastener and the at least one second fastener is a plurality of button holes, each of the button holes being configured to receive an associated one of the buttons.
 15. The combination of claim 13, wherein the at least one first fastener is a plurality of buttons and the at least one second fastener is a plurality of button holes.
 16. The combination of claim 14, wherein: the cuff comprises a double layer portion including an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer; the buttons are affixed to the outer fabric layer and housed between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer; and the sleeve opening has an end that is housed between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer when the buttons engage the button holes.
 17. The combination of claim 13, wherein the at least one first fastener is a first plurality of zipper teeth, and the at least one second fastener is a second plurality of zipper teeth configured to engage the first plurality of zipper teeth.
 18. The combination of claim 17, further comprising at least one cover strip configured to conceal the at least one first fastener and the at least one second fastener when the cuff is attached to the shirt.
 19. The combination of claim 18, wherein the at least one cover strip is a strip of fabric that overlaps the at least one first fastener and the at least one second fastener when the cuff is attached to the shirt.
 20. The combination of claim 18, wherein the at least one cover strip comprises a cuff cover strip affixed to the cuff and extending over the first and second lengths of zipper tape. 